WO2008018678A2

WO2008018678A2 - Air conditioner

Info

Publication number: WO2008018678A2
Application number: PCT/KR2007/002650
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jeong-Hun Kim; Hyung-Joo Woo; Kang-Young Kim; Nae-Hyun Park; Hye-Young Song; Kyu-Sup Jang; Se-Hyun Kim; Young-Ki Hong
Original assignee: Lg Electronics, Inc.
Priority date: 2006-08-08
Filing date: 2007-05-31
Publication date: 2008-02-14
Also published as: EP2049843A2; EP2049843B1; WO2008018678A3; EP2049843A4

Abstract

The present invention discloses an air conditioner, including: a suction hole (11,12); a blower (60) positioned to suck the air through the suction hole (11,12); a heat exchanger (70)(70) positioned to exchange heat with the air sucked by the blower (60); a passage extended to transfer the air from the suction hole (11,12) to the blower (60) and the heat exchanger (70), one end of the passage being opened; and at least one discharge hole (21,22, 23) positioned with a gap from the opened end, for discharging the air heat-exchanged in the heat exchanger (70), the at least one discharge hole (21, 22, 23)being rotatable relatively to the opened end.

Description

AIR CONDITIONER

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to an air conditioner, and more particularly, to an indoor unit of an air conditioner which can rotate a discharge hole for discharging the heat-exchanged air relatively to a main body of the air conditioner. Background Art

[2] Fig. 19 is a perspective view illustrating a conventional air conditioner.

[3] Referring to Fig. 19, in an indoor unit of the conventional air conditioner, a front center discharge hole 702 is formed at an upper center portion of a front surface of a cabinet 700 forming the external appearance, front right and left discharge holes 704 are formed at both upper sides of the front surface of the cabinet 700, respectively, and right and left suction holes 706 are formed at both lower sides of the front surface of the cabinet 700, respectively.

[4] A discharge grill 710 for dispersing the air discharged through the front center discharge hole 702 is disposed on the front center discharge hole 702.

[5] Discharge vanes 710 for opening and closing the front right and left discharge holes

704 are rotatably mounted on the front right and left discharge holes 704, respectively.

[6] Suction grills 714 are mounted on the right and left suction holes 706, respectively.

[7] In the indoor unit of the conventional air conditioner, the air sucked through the right and left suction holes 706 are conditioned, namely, cooled or heated in the cabinet 700, and discharged to the upper forward direction of the indoor unit through the front center discharge hole 702 and the front right and left discharge holes 704.

[8] However, in the indoor unit of the conventional air conditioner, the right and left suction holes 706, the front center discharge hole 702 and the front right and left discharge holes 704 are formed on the front surface of the cabinet 700, so that the air sucked into the lower portion of the front surface of the air conditioner can be discharged to the upper portion of the front surface of the air conditioner. As a result, the directions of the discharged air streams are limitative and constant, not to improve efficiency of cooling or heating.

[9] In addition, the installation position of the indoor unit of the conventional air conditioner is limited due to the directions of the discharged air streams. It is thus difficult to improve the interior appearance and efficiently use the indoor space. Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[10] An object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner which can widely, rapidly and efficiently discharge the heat-exchanged air to a space.

[11] Another object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner which can selectively, rapidly and efficiently discharge the heat-exchanged air to a space.

[12] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner which can dispersively, rapidly and efficiently discharge the heat-exchanged air to a space.

[13] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner which can discharge the heat-exchanged air to a space through a plurality of individually-formed discharge holes.

[14] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner using a plurality of individually-formed discharge holes, and a rotatable discharger for discharging the heat-exchanged air through the plurality of discharge holes.

[15] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner which can discharge the heat-exchanged air to a space by using rotation of a discharge hole or an opened end and motion of a louver blade.

[16] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner which can discharge the heat-exchanged air through a top surface of a rotatable head. Technical Solution

[17] In order to achieve the above-described objects of the invention, there is provided an air conditioner, including: a suction hole; a blower positioned to suck the air through the suction hole; a heat exchanger positioned to exchange heat with the air sucked by the blower; a passage extended to transfer the air from the suction hole to the blower and the heat exchanger, one end of the passage being opened; and at least one discharge hole positioned with a gap from the opened end, for discharging the air heat- exchanged in the heat exchanger, the at least one discharge hole being rotatable relatively to the opened end. For example, the opened end can be an opened upper portion of a cabinet of the air conditioner, or an opened end of a discharger.

[18] In another aspect of the present invention, the air conditioner includes: a head with the at least one discharge hole; and a rotation shaft connected to the head, for rotating the head.

[19] In yet another aspect of the present invention, the air conditioner includes a louver blade positioned between the opened end and the at least one discharge hole, rotated relatively to at least one of the opened end and the at least one discharge hole, and moved to change the direction of the air discharged through the at least one discharge hole. By this configuration, the space can be efficiently cooled or heated.

[20] In yet another aspect of the present invention, the air conditioner includes a head with a top surface, the at least one discharge hole being formed on the top surface.

[21] In yet another aspect of the present invention, the air conditioner includes a head with the at least one discharge hole, in which a guide formed, the guide changing the direction of the air discharged from the opened end. By this configuration, the heat- exchanged air can be efficiently guided from the head to the at least one discharge hole, and finally to the space.

[22] In yet another aspect of the present invention, the air conditioner includes: a plurality of discharge holes arranged in the relative rotation direction to the opened end; and a discharger having the opened end and being positioned with regard to the plurality of discharge holes to discharge the heat-exchanged air through the plurality of discharge holes. By this configuration, the heat-exchanged air can be discharged to the space in a target direction through the plurality of discharge holes, without rotating the whole head.

[23] In yet another aspect of the present invention, the air conditioner includes a motor positioned between the at least one discharge hole and the blower, for driving relative motion between the at least one discharge hole and the opened end.

[24] In yet another aspect of the present invention, the air conditioner includes: a cabinet in which the opened end is positioned and the suction hole, the blower and the heat exchanger are provided; a head having the at least one discharge hole; and a guide positioned at the opened end side, for guiding the heat-exchanged air to the head. By this configuration, the heat-exchanged air can stably flow between the head and the cabinet that are made as an individual means, repectively.

[25] In yet another aspect of the present invention, the air conditioner includes: a head with a plurality of discharge holes positioned at intervals in the relative rotation direction to the opened end; and discharge louvers for opening and closing the plurality of discharge holes, respectively. The air conditioner can evenly and rapidly discharge the heat-exchanged air all around space and/or a target direction by providing with the plurality of discharge holes and the discharge louvers for opening and closing the discharge holes.

[26] In accordance with the present invention, the air conditioner can widely, rapidly and efficiently discharge the heat-exchanged air to the space.

[27] In accordance with the present invention, the air conditioner can selectively, rapidly and efficiently discharge the heat-exchanged air to the space.

[28] In accordance with the present invention, the air conditioner can dispersively, rapidly and efficiently discharge the heat-exchanged air to the space.

[29] In accordance with the present invention, the air conditioner can evenly, selectively and dispersively discharge the heat-exchanged air to the space, by controlling opening and closing of the plurality of discharge holes and/or rotation of the head (or discharger).

[30] In accordance with the present invention, the air conditioner can evenly, selectively, dispersively and efficiently discharge the heat-exchanged air, by controlling rotation of the head (and/or discharger) and motion of the louver blade. [31] In accordance with the present invention, the air conditioner allows the user to easily approach a unit for rotating the head or the discharger, by using the cabinet with a service hole.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[32] The present invention will become better understood with reference to the accompanying drawings which are given only by way of illustration and thus are not limitative of the present invention, wherein: [33] Fig. 1 is an air view illustrating installation of an indoor unit of an air conditioner in accordance with the present invention;

[34] Fig. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an indoor unit of an air conditioner in non- operation in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention; [35] Fig. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the indoor unit of the air conditioner in operation in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention; [36] Fig. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a state where a front panel of the indoor unit of the air conditioner is opened in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention; [37] Fig. 5 is a disassembly perspective view illustrating the indoor unit of the air conditioner in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention; [38] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of Fig. 2;

[39] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of Fig. 2;

[40] Fig. 8 is a disassembly perspective view illustrating a blower and a heat exchanger of

Fig. 5; [41] Fig. 9 is a disassembly perspective view illustrating a head and a head rotation unit of

Fig. 5; [42] Fig. 10 is a perspective view illustrating one example of the operation of the indoor unit of the air conditioner in a head rotation mode in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention; [43] Fig. 11 is a perspective view illustrating one example of the operation of the indoor unit of the air conditioner in a head stop mode in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention; [44] Fig. 12 is a perspective view illustrating another example of the operation of the indoor unit of the air conditioner in the head stop mode in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention; [45] Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an indoor unit of an air conditioner in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention; [46] Fig. 14 is a disassembly perspective view illustrating major elements of the indoor unit of the air conditioner in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention; [47] Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an indoor unit of an air conditioner in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention; [48] Fig. 16 is a disassembly perspective view illustrating major elements of the indoor un it of the air conditioner in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention; [49] Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an indoor unit of an air conditioner in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention; [50] Fig. 18 is a disassembly perspective view illustrating major elements of the indoor unit of the air conditioner in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the present invention; [51] Fig. 19 is a perspective view illustrating an indoor unit of a conventional air conditioner;

[52] Fig. 20 is a perspective view illustrating an indoor unit of an air conditioner in non- operation in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention; [53] Fig. 21 is a disassembly perspective view illustrating a head, a head rotation unit and a discharge louver in accordance with the fifth embodiment of the present invention; [54] Fig. 22 is a perspective view illustrating an indoor unit of an air conditioner in non- operation in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention; [55] Fig. 23 is a perspective view illustrating an indoor unit of an air conditioner in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention; [56] Fig. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of Fig. 23;

[57] Fig. 25 is a disassembly perspective view illustrating a head, a discharge louver unit and a head rotation unit in accordance with the seventh embodiment of the present invention; [58] Fig. 26 is a perspective view illustrating an indoor unit of an air conditioner in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the present invention; [59] Fig. 27 is a disassembly perspective view illustrating the indoor unit of the air conditioner in accordance with the eighth embodiment of the present invention; [60] Fig. 28 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C of Fig. 26;

[61] Fig. 29 is a disassembly perspective view illustrating a discharger and a discharger rotation unit of Fig. 27; [62] Fig. 30 is a perspective view illustrating one example of the operation of the indoor unit of the air conditioner in a discharger rotation mode in accordance with the eighth embodiment of the present invention; [63] Fig. 31 is a perspective view illustrating another example of the operation of the indoor unit of the air conditioner in the discharger rotation mode in accordance with the eighth embodiment of the present invention; [64] Fig. 32 is a perspective view illustrating one example of the operation of the indoor unit of the air conditioner in a discharger rotation stop mode in accordance with the eighth embodiment of the present invention; [65] Fig. 33 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an indoor unit of an air conditioner in accordance with a ninth embodiment of the present invention; [66] Fig. 34 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an indoor unit of an air conditioner in accordance with a tenth embodiment of the present invention; [67] Fig. 35 is a disassembly perspective view illustrating major elements of an indoor unit of an air conditioner in accordance with an eleventh embodiment of the present invention; [68] Fig. 36 is a graph showing various examples by one rotation angle and rotation period of the discharge hole; [69] Fig. 37 is a graph showing an indoor temperature by one rotation angle of the discharge hole; and [70] Fig. 38 is a graph showing an indoor temperature by the rotation period of the discharge hole.

Mode for the Invention [71] An air conditioner in accordance with the preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. [72] Fig. 1 is an air view illustrating installation of an indoor unit of an air conditioner in accordance with the present invention. [73] At least one indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner is installed in an indoor space I needing air conditioning, and connected to at least one outdoor unit 2 installed outside the indoor space I through a refrigerant tube 3, for cooling, heating or purifying the indoor space I. For convenience of explanation, it is presumed that one indoor unit 1 and one outdoor unit 2 are installed.

[74] Fig. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an indoor unit of an air conditioner in non- operation in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the indoor unit of the air conditioner in operation in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention. [75] In accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention, in the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner, suction holes 11 and 12 for sucking the indoor air are formed on a cabinet 10 forming the lower external appearance, and discharge holes 21, 22 and 23 for discharging the air to the indoor space are formed on a head 20 forming the upper external appearance. The head 20 is rotated in the right and left directions by a head rotation unit at the upper portion of the cabinet 10.

[76] The suction holes 11 and 12 are formed on any one of the front, rear, right and left surfaces of the cabinet 10. When the directions of the sucked air streams are various, the indoor air can be rapidly evenly sucked into the cabinet 10. Therefore, the suction holes 11 and 12 can be formed on the front and rear surfaces of the cabinet 10, respectively, or on the left and right surfaces of the cabinet 10, respectively. For convenience of explanation, it is presumed that the suction holes 11 and 12 are formed on the left and right surfaces of the cabinet 10, respectively. Hereinafter, the suction hole 11 formed on the left surface of the cabinet 10 is referred to as a left suction hole 11, and the suction hole 12 formed on the right surface of the cabinet 10 is referred to as a right suction hole 12.

[77] When the air circulation is facilitated in the indoor space, the air can be rapidly evenly conditioned in the indoor space. To facilitate the air circulation in the indoor space, the suction holes 11 and 12 are disposed at the lower portion of the cabinet 10 to be distant from the discharge holes 21, 22 and 23.

[78] In addition, when the directions of the discharged air streams are various, the air can be rapidly evenly conditioned in the indoor space. To generate the optimum discharged air streams, the plurality of discharge holes 21, 22 and 23 are isolated from each other along the peripheral direction of the head 20.

[79] Accordingly, the discharge holes 21, 22 and 23 are formed on at least two of the four surfaces of the head 20. Especially, since the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner is installed closely to the wall of the indoor space to efficiently use the indoor space, at least one of the four surfaces of the head 20 is blocked by the wall of the indoor space. Preferably, the discharge holes 21, 22 and 23 are formed on three of the four surfaces of the head 20 to generate the optimum discharged air streams. Hereinafter, the discharge hole 21 is referred to as a first discharge hole 21, the discharge hole 22 is referred to as a second discharge hole 22, and the discharge hole 23 is referred to as a third discharge hole 23.

[80] Discharge louvers 24, 25 and 26 for opening and closing the first, second and third discharge holes 21, 22 and 23 and controlling the directions of the discharged air streams are rotatably formed on the first, second and third discharge holes 21, 22 and 23. Hereinafter, the discharge louver 24 formed on the first discharge hole 21 is referred to as a first discharge louver 24, the discharge louver 25 formed on the second discharge hole 22 is referred to as a second discharge louver 25, and the discharge louver 26 formed on the third discharge hole 23 is referred to as a third discharge louver 26.

[81] The first, second and third discharge louvers 24, 25 and 26 can be rotated in the up and down directions, the right and left directions or other directions. In this embodiment, since the head 20 is rotated in the right and left directions as discussed below, the first, second and third discharge louvers 24, 25 and 26 are preferably rotated in the up and down directions to generate the optimum discharged air streams.

[82] Fig. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a state where a front panel of the indoor unit of the air conditioner is opened in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 5 is a disassembly perspective view illustrating the indoor unit of the air conditioner in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of Fig. 2, and Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of Fig. 2.

[83] The cabinet 10 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape and extended in the up and down directions. The cabinet 10 has its top surface opened or has a hole on its top surface to communicate with the head 20.

[84] That is, the cabinet 10 includes a base 30 forming the bottom surface of the cabinet

10, a main frame 40 being disposed at the upper portion of the base 30, and having its top surface opened to communicate with the head 20 and its front and bottom surfaces opened, a front panel 50 formed on the opened front surface of the main frame 40, for opening and closing the opened front surface of the main frame 40, and a top cover 52 disposed on the opened top surface of the main frame 40.

[85] The base 30 includes a base install portion 32 on which the main frame 40 and the front panel 50 are installed, and a drain fan portion 34 upwardly protruded from the base install portion 32, for collecting condensed water from a heat exchanger 70, the heat exchanger 70 being disposed on the drain fan portion 34.

[86] The drain fan portion 34 includes a left plate portion 35 upwardly protruded from the base install portion 32, a right plate portion 36 upwardly protruded from the base install portion 32 with a gap from the left plate portion 35, and an upper box portion 37 being formed on the top ends of the left plate portion 35 and the right plate portion 36, and having a drain hole 37a at its one side.

[87] A drain hose 38 having one end connected to the drain hole 37a and the other end extended to an external space of the cabinet 10 through one side of the cabinet 10 is connected to the upper box portion 37.

[88] Most preferably, the base 30 is plastic injection molded. To protrusively mold the drain fan portion 34 with the base install portion 32 as a single body, an opening 30a is formed at the drain fan portion 34, especially, the lower portion of the upper box portion 37.

[89] The base 30 further includes a base cover 30b fastened to the bottom surface of the base install portion 32 by fastening members such as screws, for blocking the bottom end of the opening 30a. [90] The bottom surface of the base install portion 32 of the base 30 can directly contact the bottom of the indoor space. In addition, the base 30 can be put on a special base panel 39 contacting the bottom of the indoor space. Here, it is presumed that the base

30 further includes the base panel 39 onto which the base install portion 32 is fastened. [91] The main frame 40 includes a left panel 41 disposed at the left upper portion of the base 30, a right panel 42 disposed at the right upper portion of the base 30, and a rear panel 43 disposed at the rear upper portion of the base 30. [92] The left suction hole 11 is formed at the lower portion of the left panel 41 in the right and left directions. [93] A left suction grill 44 disposed on the left suction hole 11 is coupled to the left panel

41. [94] A left pre-filter 45a for filtering off alien substances of the air passing through the left suction grill 44 is detachably coupled to the left suction grill 44. [95] A high performance left filter 45b, such as a HEPA filter or an electric dust collector, for purifying the air passing through the left pre-filter 45a is disposed at the left panel

41. A left filter guide 45c to which the high performance left filter 45b is detachably coupled is installed on the left panel 41. [96] The right panel 42 is symmetrical in structure to the left panel 41 in the right and left directions. [97] The right suction hole 12 is formed at the lower portion of the right panel 42 in the right and left directions. [98] A right suction grill 47 disposed on the right suction hole 12 is coupled to the right panel 42. [99] A right pre-filter 48a for filtering off alien substances of the air passing through the right suction grill 47 is detachably coupled to the right suction grill 47. [100] A high performance right filter 48b, such as a HEPA filter or an electric dust collector, for purifying the air passing through the right pre-filter 48a is disposed at the right panel 42. A right filter guide 48c to which the high performance right filter 48b is detachably coupled is installed on the right panel 42. [101] A tube cover 43b with a tube through hole 43a through which the drain hose 38 and a refrigerant tube of the heat exchanger 70 pass is mounted on the rear panel 43. A tube cover mounting portion 43c on which the tube cover 43b is mounted is formed at the lower portion of the rear panel 43. [102] A hooked hole (not shown) into which a hook protruded from the left panel 41 is inserted, and a hooked hole (not shown) into which a hook protruded from the right panel 42 is inserted are formed on the rear panel 43, respectively. [103] The front panel 50 is opened and closed on the front surface of the cabinet 10 in the front and rear directions, so that components inside the cabinet 10 can be easily repaired or replaced. [104] That is, hinge shafts 50a and 50b rotatably inserted into the base 30 and the top cover

52 are formed on the top and bottom ends of one of the right and left sides of the front panel 50, respectively. [105] The front panel 50 can maintain the front surface of the cabinet 10 closed by using magnetic force of a magnet, a hook, a latch, etc. [106] A front panel handle can be formed on the front panel 50, so that the user can easily open and close the front panel 50. [107] The top cover 52 is formed in a ring structure with a top cover hole 52a for air flow, so that the cabinet 10 and the head 20 can communicate with each other. [108] The top cover 52 is put on the main frame 40 and fastened to the main frame 40 by fastening members 53 such as screws. [109] To improve the visual effect, a color or material of the top cover 52 can be different from that of the main frame 40 or the front panel 50. [110] On the other hand, in order to hide the complicated inside structure of the cabinet 10 when the front panel 50 is opened (refer to Fig. 4), the cabinet 50 can further include a front inner panel 54 disposed inside the front panel 50, for covering at least part of the opened front surface of the main frame 40. [Ill] The front inner panel 54 can be provided to wholly or partially cover the opened front surface of the main frame 40. In addition, the front inner panel 54 can be provided in a multiple number to partially cover the opened front surface of the main frame 40. In this embodiment, it is presumed that the front inner panel 54 wholly covers the opened front surface of the main frame 40. [112] At least one service hole 54a for providing an inner service of the cabinet 10 is formed on the front inner panel 54. Front inner cover panels 54b for opening and closing the service holes 54a are disposed on the service holes 54a, respectively. [113] Here, it is presumed that three service holes 54a are formed to correspond to a blower

60, the heat exchanger 70 and the head rotation unit 20 discussed later, respectively. [114] The front inner cover panels 54b can be detachably coupled to the front inner panel

54 by fastening members 55 such as screws, or opened and closed thereon by a hinge structure. [115] The front inner cover panels 54b include front inner cover panel handles 54c, so that the user can easily handle the front inner cover panels 54b. [116] An accessory keeping portion 54d for keeping an accessory such as a remote controller 56 for wireless control of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner can be formed on the front inner cover 54. [117] On the other hand, a display 58 for controlling the operation of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner and displaying the operation state of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner can be installed on the edge of the main frame 40 of the cabinet 10.

[118] Fig. 5 is a disassembly perspective view illustrating the indoor unit of the air conditioner in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of Fig. 2, Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of Fig. 2, and Fig. 8 is a disassembly perspective view illustrating the blower and the heat exchanger of Fig. 5.

[119] The blower 60 is disposed at the inside upper portion of the cabinet 10, for sucking the outdoor air of the cabinet 10 through the left and right suction holes 11 and 12, and sending the sucked air to the upper portion of the cabinet 10.

[120] The blower 60 includes a blower motor mounter 61 installed at the upper portion of the heat exchanger 70, a blower motor 62 installed on the blower motor mounter 61, a ventilation fan 64 axially installed on a rotation shaft 62a of the blower motor 62, and an orifice 66 installed on the blower motor mounter 61, for enclosing the ventilation fan 64.

[121] The ventilation fan 64 includes a cylindrical hub 64a, a plurality of blades 64b spirally formed on the outer circumference of the hub 64a, and a disk portion 64c horizontally formed inside the hub 64a, the rotation shaft 62a of the blower motor 62 being coupled to the disk portion 64c.

[122] The top surfaces of the blades 64b are concave and the bottom surfaces thereof are convex, so that the blades 64b have bow-shaped sections.

[123] The orifice 66 is opened in the up and down directions so that the air heat-exchanged in the heat exchanger 70 can flow in the up and down directions. The center passage is narrower than the upper and lower passages.

[124] Fig. 5 is a disassembly perspective view illustrating the indoor unit of the air conditioner in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of Fig. 2, Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of Fig. 2, and Fig. 8 is a disassembly perspective view illustrating the blower and the heat exchanger of Fig. 5.

[125] The heat exchanger 70 is disposed at the inside lower portion of the cabinet 10, for cooling or heating the air in the cabinet 10.

[126] The heat exchanger 70 includes a first heat exchange portion 71, a second heat exchange portion 72 disposed with a gap from the first heat exchange portion 71, a first cover 73 for blocking one of the front surface and the rear surface between the first heat exchange portion 71 and the second heat exchange portion 72, and a second cover 74 for blocking the other of the front surface and the rear surface between the first heat exchange portion 71 and the second heat exchange portion 72.

[127] The bottom end of the first heat exchange portion 71 is put on the drain fan portion 34, and the top end thereof is disposed at the right side of the left suction hole 11 of the left panel 41 and inclined in the left direction to face the upper portion of the left suction hole 11.

[128] The bottom end of the second heat exchange portion 72 is put on the drain fan portion 34, and the top end thereof is disposed at the left side of the right suction hole 12 of the right panel 42 and inclined in the right direction to face the upper portion of the right suction hole 12.

[129] The heat exchanger 70 further includes a left airtight member 75 fastened to the left side of the top end of the first cover 73 and the left side of the top end of the second cover 74 by fastening members, for blocking the gap between the left side of the top end of the heat exchanger 70 and the left panel 41, and a right airtight member 76 fastened to the right side of the top end of the first cover 73 and the right side of the top end of the second cover 74 by fastening members, for blocking the gap between the right side of the top end of the heat exchanger 70 and the right panel 42.

[130] The heat exchanger 70 is fixed to at least one of the left panel 41 and the right panel 42. A left bracket 80 is fastened to the first cover 73 of the heat exchanger 70 by a fastening member 81 such as a screw, and fixedly hooked on the left panel 41. A right bracket 82 is fastened to the first cover 73 of the heat exchanger 70 by a fastening member 83 such as a screw, and fixedly hooked on the right panel 42.

[131] A bent portion 84 bent with a D-shaped section is formed on the top end of the first cover 73 of the heat exchanger 70.

[132] A permanent magnet 85 is mounted on the front surface of the bent portion 84.

[133] The top surface of the bent portion 84 is fastened to the blower motor mounter 61 and the orifice 66 by fastening members 86 such as screws.

[134] The heat exchanger 70 is fixed to the rear panel 43 by a rear bracket 87.

[135] The heat exchanger 70 further includes a refrigerant tube holder 88 for fixing one side of the refrigerant tube 3 connected to at least one of the first heat exchange portion 71 and the second heat exchange portion 72 of the heat exchanger 70 to the first cover 73 of the heat exchanger 70.

[136] The heat exchanger 70 includes a tube through hole 73a formed on the first cover 73 so that the refrigerant tube 3 can be extended in the forward direction of the first cover 73 through the first cover 73, and a tube cover 89 for minimizing the air suction of the tube through hole 73a, and covering part of the refrigerant tube 3 passing through the tube through hole 73a.

[137] Fig. 5 is a disassembly perspective view illustrating the indoor unit of the air conditioner in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of Fig. 2, Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of Fig. 2, and Fig. 9 is a disassembly perspective view illustrating the head and the head rotation unit of Fig. 5. [138] The head 20 can be formed in a circular or polygonal structure. Here, it is presumed that the head 20 is formed in the polygonal structure.

[139] The polygonal head 20 can be any kind of polygon such as a tetrahedron, pentahedron or hexahedron. In this embodiment, it is presumed that the head 20 is the hexahedron.

[140] The head 20 includes a head base panel 100 disposed at the upper portion of the cabinet 10, a head main frame 110 being disposed at the upper portion of the head base panel 100, and having its top and bottom surfaces opened, and a head top panel 120 for covering the opened top surface of the head main frame 110.

[141] Preferably, the head base panel 100 is almost identical in size to the top surface of the cabinet 10 to provide the uniformity with the cabinet 10.

[142] A head hole 101 for making the head 20 communicate with the cabinet 10 is formed on the head base panel 100, so that the air in the cabinet 10 can be sent to the head 20. The head hole 101 can be formed at the center portion of the head base panel 100, so that the air in the cabinet 10 can be smoothly sent into the head 20.

[143] At least one fastening hole 103 is formed on the head base panel 100, so that the head base panel 100 can be coupled to a driven gear of the head rotation unit 20 explained later by fastening members 102 such as screws.

[144] The head base panel 100 is positioned on the cabinet 10. Preferably, the head 20 and the cabinet 10 are installed with a minimum gap not to interfere with each other.

[145] The head main frame 110 includes first to fourth side panels 111 to 114 forming the four surfaces of the head main frame 110.

[146] The first to fourth side panels 111 to 114 can be molded as a single body, or individually molded and assembled. In addition, the first to fourth side panels 111 to 114 can be molded as two or three parts and assembled. In this embodiment, it is presumed that the first to fourth side panels 111 to 114 are individually molded and assembled.

[147] As described above, any one of the first, second and third discharge holes 21, 22 and 23 is formed on three of the first to fourth side panels 111 to 114 to generate the discharged air streams on the three surfaces of the head 20.

[148] As illustrated in Fig. 2, when the head 20 is coupled to the cabinet 10 in a straight line shape, the fourth side panel 114 corresponding to the rear panel 43 of the cabinet 10 among the first to fourth side panels 111 to 114 is positioned in the wall side of the indoor space with the rear panel 43 of the cabinet 10.

[149] Accordingly, except the fourth side panel 114, any one of the first, second and third discharge holes 21, 22 and 23 is preferably formed on the first, second and third side panels 111, 112 and 113. For convenience of explanation, it is presumed that the first discharge hole 21 is formed on the first side panel 111, the second discharge hole 22 is formed on the second side panel 112, and the third discharge hole 23 is formed on the third side panel 113.

[150] The first, second and third discharge louvers 24, 25 and 26 disposed on the first, second and third discharge holes 21, 22 and 23 to be rotated in the up and down directions are coupled to the first, second and third side panels 111, 112 and 113.

[151] The first, second and third discharge louvers 24, 25 and 26 include first, second and third discharge louver blades 24a, 25a and 26a rotatably disposed on the first, second and third discharge holes 21, 22 and 23, and first, second and third discharge louver shafts 24b, 25b and 26b fixed to the first, second and third discharge louver blades 24a, 25a and 26a, and rotatably inserted into the first, second and third side panels 111, 112 and 113.

[152] The first, second and third discharge louver shafts 24b, 25b and 26b are coupled to the bottom ends of the first, second and third discharge louver blades 24a, 25a and 26a.

[153] The first, second and third discharge louvers 24, 25 and 26 can be automatically opened and closed by first, second and third discharge louver driving units 130, 140 and 150, respectively.

[154] The first discharge louver driving unit 130 includes a first discharge louver motor 132 for supplying rotation driving force, a first drive pinion gear 134 axially installed on a rotation shaft 131 of the first discharge louver motor 132, and rotated with any one of the first discharge louvers 24, a first rack gear 136 being engaged with the first drive pinion gear 134, and sliding in the up and down directions, and a first driven pinion gear 138 engaged with the first rack gear 136, and rotated with the first discharge louver 24 which is not engaged with the first drive pinion gear 134.

[155] The first discharge louver motor 132 is fastened, by fastening members such as screws, to an outer portion of a first gear housing 139 fixed into the head 20 for guiding sliding of the first rack gear 136.

[156] The first drive pinion gear 134 is coupled to the first discharge louver shaft 24b of the first discharge louver 24.

[157] As mentioned above, the first rack gear 136 is slidably inserted into the first gear housing 139.

[158] The first driven pinion gear 138 is coupled to the first discharge louver shaft 24b of the first discharge louver 24.

[159] The first discharge louver 24 is not rotated at 360 . For example, the first discharge louver 24 is rotated within 90 . Therefore, the first driven pinion gear 138 can be formed in a circular arc shape, not the circular shape of the first drive pinion gear 134.

[160] Identically to the first discharge louver driving unit 130, the second discharge louver driving unit 140 includes a second discharge louver motor 142, a second drive pinion gear 144, a second rack gear 146, a second driven pinion gear 148, and a second gear housing 149. [161] In addition, identically to the first discharge louver driving unit 130, the third discharge louver driving unit 150 includes a third discharge louver motor 152, a third drive pinion gear 154, a third rack gear 156, a third driven pinion gear 158, and a third gear housing 159.

[162] To intensively discharge the air streams to a relatively high temperature region for rapid cooling or heating, infrared sensors 27, 28 and 29 are installed in the head 20, for sensing temperature distribution of the indoor space.

[163] The infrared sensors 27, 28 and 29 are provided in a multiple number along the peripheral direction of the head 20 to improve sensing accuracy of the indoor temperature distribution.

[164] Fig. 5 is a disassembly perspective view illustrating the indoor unit of the air conditioner in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of Fig. 2, Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of Fig. 2, and Fig. 9 is a disassembly perspective view illustrating the head and the head rotation unit of Fig. 5.

[165] The head rotation unit 20 includes a head rotation unit bracket 160 fixed into the cabinet 10 to face the head base panel 100 of the head 20, a head bearing 170 installed between the head rotation unit bracket 160 and the head base panel 100 of the head 20, a head holder 180 for preventing the head 20 from being separated from the head rotation unit bracket 160, head rotation unit motors 190 and 192, and a head rotation driving force transfer device 200.

[166] The head rotation unit bracket 160 is disposed on the opened top surface of the cabinet 10 to support the head 20.

[167] The head rotation unit bracket 160 can be installed directly on the cabinet 10 at the upper portion of the blower 60, disposed and installed on the blower 60, or disposed on the blower 60 and installed on the cabinet 10. Here, it is presumed that the head rotation unit bracket 160 is installed directly on the cabinet 10 at the upper portion of the blower 60 not to be directly affected by vibration of the blower 60.

[168] The head rotation unit bracket 160 is disposed on the opened top surface of the cabinet 10. Therefore, in order to hide the inside of the cabinet 10, the head rotation unit bracket 160 includes a bracket main panel 161 sufficiently large to cover the whole opened top surface of the cabinet 10.

[169] The bracket main panel 161 is isolated from the head base panel 100 of the head 20 with a predetermined gap in the up and down directions, so that the head rotation unit motors 190 and 192 and the head rotation driving force transfer device 200 can be disposed between the head rotation unit bracket 160 and the head base panel 100 of the head 20.

[170] The head rotation unit bracket 160 includes a bracket fastening boss 163 formed at the edge of the bracket main panel 161 to surface-contact the cabinet 10, and fastened to the cabinet 10 by fastening members 162 such as screws.

[171] Preferably, at least two bracket fastening bosses 163 are arranged along the peripheral direction of the head rotation unit bracket 160.

[172] The bracket main panel 161 of the head rotation unit bracket 160 covers the whole opened top surface of the cabinet 10. Accordingly, a bracket hole 164 is formed on the bracket main panel 161, so that the cabinet 10 and the head 20 can communicate with each other for air flow.

[173] Preferably, the center of the bracket hole 164 corresponds to the center of the head hole 101 of the head 20 in the up and down directions, so that the air flowing from the cabinet 10 to the head 20 can flow in the vertical direction to maximize air sending efficiency.

[174] Preferably, the center of the bracket hole 164 corresponds to the center of the blower 60 to maximize air sending efficiency.

[175] The head rotation unit bracket 160 includes an air guide rib 165 for guiding the up and down flows of the air from the cabinet 10 to the head 20 to maximize air sending efficiency. The air guide rib 165 is formed in a ring structure and protruded from the bracket main panel 161 to the head 20, for enclosing the bracket hole 164.

[176] The air guide rib 165 can be protruded from the bracket main panel 161 vertically in the up and down directions, so that the section of the air guide rib 165 can be constant between the cabinet 10 and the head 20. In addition, the air guide rib 165 can be protruded from the bracket main panel 161 with an inclination in the up and down directions, so that the section of the air guide rib 165 can be gradually decreased or increased between the cabinet 10 and the head 20. Besides, the air guide rib 165 can be formed in various shapes.

[177] The head rotation unit bracket 160 includes a bracket flange 166 protruded from the bracket main panel 161 to the head 20, for supporting the head 20 and hooking the head holder 180 in the up and down directions.

[178] The bracket flange 166 includes a vertical portion 166a vertically protruded from the bracket main panel 161 to the head 20, and a horizontal portion 166b vertically bent from the top end of the vertical portion 166a which is not connected to the bracket main panel 161, and disposed at a level with the head base panel 100 of the head 20.

[179] The vertical portion 166a of the bracket flange 166 is disposed on the bracket main panel 161 between the bracket fastening boss 163 and the bracket hole 164, so that the bracket flange 166 does not interrupt the flow of the air from the cabinet 10 to the head 20.

[180] The up/down direction length of the vertical portion 166a of the bracket flange 166 is determined so that the head bearing 170 can be disposed between the horizontal portion 166b of the bracket flange 166 and the head base panel 100 of the head 20, and that the head holder 180 can be hooked between the horizontal portion 166b of the bracket flange 166 and the bracket main panel 161.

[181] As explained later, the head rotation unit motors 190 and 192 and the head rotation driving force transfer device 200 are disposed inside the bracket flange 166. Therefore, preferably, the horizontal portion 166b of the bracket flange 166 is outwardly bent from the vertical portion 166a of the bracket flange 166 to the head rotation unit bracket 160.

[182] The bracket flange 166 is formed in a ring structure to always support the head 20 regardless of rotation of the head 20.

[183] The head rotation unit bracket 160 includes a head rotation unit motor installation portion 167 in which the head rotation unit motors 190 and 192 are installed, for firmly supporting the head rotation unit motors 190 and 192.

[184] Preferably, the head rotation unit motor installation portion 167 is disposed on the bracket main panel 161 between the bracket hole 164 and the bracket flange 166, so that the head rotation unit motors 190 and 192 cannot interrupt the flow of the air from the cabinet 10 to the head 20 and interfere with the bracket flange 166.

[185] Accordingly, the head rotation unit motor installation portion 167 can be formed on the bracket main panel 161 in a groove structure opened in the up and down directions by the air guide rib 165 and the bracket flange 166.

[186] The head rotation unit bracket 160 includes a head guide rib 168 formed on the bracket flange 166, for guiding right and left direction rotation of the head 20.

[187] The head guide rib 168 is vertically protruded from the bracket flange 166 to the head 20, so that the head bearing 170 can be inserted into the head guide rib 168.

[188] The head guide rib 168 is formed in a ring structure to always guide rotation of the head 20 during the rotation of the head 20.

[189] Preferably, the up/down length of the head guide rib 168 is shorter than the gap between the horizontal portion 166b of the bracket flange 166 and the head base panel 100 of the head 20, so that the head guide rib 168 cannot interfere with the head base panel 100 of the head 20.

[190] The head bearing 170 serves to minimize rotation friction of the head 20. The head bearing 170 can be fixed to the head base panel 100 of the head 20 to line-contact the horizontal portion 166b of the bracket flange 166 of the head rotation unit bracket 160, or fixed to the horizontal portion 166b of the bracket flange 166 of the head rotation unit bracket 160 to line-contact the head base panel 100 of the head 20. In this embodiment, it is presumed that the head bearing 170 is fixed to the head 20 to line- contact the head rotation unit bracket 160.

[191] Preferably, at least two head bearings 170 are provided to stably support the head 20, and arranged along the peripheral direction of the head 20 to balance the head 20.

[192] The head bearing 170 includes a head bearing roller 172 rotatably disposed between the head base panel 100 of the head 20 and the horizontal portion 166b of the bracket flange 166 of the head rotation unit bracket 160, and a head bearing roller leg 174 fixed to the head base panel 100 of the head 20, for rotatably supporting the head bearing roller 172.

[193] Preferably, the shaft 172a of the head bearing roller 172 is disposed in the radial direction of the circle formed around the center H of the horizontal surface of the head 20, so that the head bearing roller 172 can be rotated around the center H of the horizontal surface of the head 20.

[194] The head bearing roller 172 is installed to be positioned in the head guide rib 168, so that the head bearing roller 172 can be firmly supported by the head rotation unit bracket 160 and the rotation direction thereof can be guided.

[195] The head bearing roller leg 174 is installed below the head base panel 100 of the head 20 to pass through the head base panel 100.

[196] The head holder 180 includes a head holder hook 182 incorporated with the head base panel 100 of the head 20, and hooked on the bracket flange 166.

[197] The head holder hook 182 includes a vertical portion 182a vertically protruded from the head base panel 100 of the head 20 to the head rotation unit bracket 160, and a horizontal portion 182b bent in the horizontal direction from the vertical portion 182a of the head holder hook 182, inserted between the bracket flange 166 and the bracket main panel 161, and hooked by the bracket flange 166 at the lower portion of the bracket flange 166.

[198] The up/down direction length of the vertical portion 182a of the head holder hook 182 is determined so that the horizontal portion 182b of the head holder hook 182 can be downwardly isolated from the bracket flange 166 with a predetermined gap to prevent friction between the head holder hook 182 and the bracket flange 166.

[199] Preferably, at least two head holder hooks 182 are provided to stably support the head 20, and arranged along the peripheral direction of the head 20 to balance the head 20.

[200] The head holder 180 includes a holder bearing 184 disposed between the head holder hook 182 and the bracket flange 166, for firmly supporting the head 20 and facilitating rotation of the head 20.

[201] The holder bearing 184 can be fixed to the head holder hook 182 to line-contact the horizontal portion 166b of the bracket flange 166, or fixed to the horizontal portion 1 66b of the bracket flange 166 to line-contact the head holder hook 182. In this embodiment, it is presumed that the holder bearing 184 is fixed to the head holder hook 182 to line-contact the horizontal portion 166b of the bracket flange 166. [202] The holder bearing 184 includes a holder bearing roller 185 rotatably disposed between the horizontal portion 182b of the head holder hook 182 and the horizontal portion 166b of the bracket flange 166, and a holder bearing roller leg 186 fixed to the horizontal portion 182b of the head holder hook 182, for rotatably supporting the holder bearing roller 185.

[203] Preferably, the shaft 185a of the holder bearing roller 185 is disposed in the radial direction of the circle formed around the center H of the horizontal surface of the head 20, so that the holder bearing roller 185 can be rotated around the center H of the horizontal surface of the head 20.

[204] Preferably, at least two holder bearings 184 are provided to stably support the head 20, and arranged in the peripheral direction of the head 20 to balance the head 20.

[205] Especially, the header bearing 170 and the holder bearing 184 are arranged in a row in the up and down directions, for firmly supporting the head 20 and fixing the bracket flange 166. That is, the holder bearing 184 faces the header bearing 170 in the up and down directions of the bracket flange 166.

[206] The head rotation unit motors 190 and 192 are disposed at the head rotation unit motor installation portion 167 of the head rotation unit bracket 160, and fixed to the bracket main panel 161 of the head rotation unit bracket 160 by fastening members 194 and 195 such as screws.

[207] The head rotation unit motors 190 and 192 can be AC motors. Preferably, at least two head rotation unit motors 190 and 192 are provided to stably balance rotation of the head 20.

[208] The rotation shafts 191 and 193 of the head rotation unit motors 190 and 192 are vertically disposed from the head rotation unit motors 190 and 192 to the head 20.

[209] The head rotation driving force transfer device 200 transfers rotation driving force of the head rotation unit motors 190 and 192 to the head 20, so that the head 20 can be rotated in the right and left directions by the rotation driving force of the head rotation unit motors 190 and 192. The head rotation driving force transfer device 200 can be formed by using various methods such as belt-pulley, gear set and link. In this embodiment, it is presumed that the head rotation driving force transfer device 200 is formed by using the gear set method.

[210] The head rotation driving force transfer device 200 includes drive gears 201 and 202 driven by the head rotation unit motors 190 and 192, and a driven gear 204 continuously engaged with the drive gears 201 and 202, and fixed to the head base panel 100 of the head 20.

[211] At least two drive gears 201 and 202 are provided to correspond to the head rotation unit motors 190 and 192, respectively.

[212] The drive gears 201 and 202 are axially installed on the rotation shafts 191 and 193 of the head rotation unit motors 190 and 192, respectively.

[213] The drive gears 201 and 202 are relatively smaller than the driven gear 204, and have fewer teeth than the driven gear 204.

[214] The drive gears 201 and 202 are disposed between the head rotation unit motors 190 and 192 and the head base panel 100 of the head 20. Therefore, preferably, the drive gears 201 and 202 are isolated from the head base panel 100 of the head 20 with a predetermined gap in the up and down directions not to interfere with the head base panel 100.

[215] The driven gear 204 is disposed between the drive gears 201 and 202 to be circumscribed by the drive gears 201 and 202.

[216] The driven gear 204 is formed in a ring structure with an air hole 204a for air flow at its center portion, not to interrupt the flow of the air from the cabinet 10 to the head 20, namely, not to block the head hole 101 of the head base panel 100 of the head 20.

[217] The driven gear 204 includes a driven boss 204b fastened to the head base panel 100 of the head 20 by surface contact, so that the driven gear 204 can be fixed to the head base panel 100.

[218] Since the driven gear 204 is circumscribed by the drive gears 201 and 202, the driven gear boss 204b is preferably disposed inside the driven gear 204.

[219] Preferably, at least two driven gear bosses 204b are arranged along the circumferential direction of the driven gear 204 to stably fasten and balance the driven gear 204.

[220] The air guide rib 165 of the head rotation unit bracket 160 is disposed directly below the driven gear 204. Accordingly, the driven gear 204 is isolated from the air guide rib 165 with a predetermined gap in the up and down directions not to interfere with the air guide rib 165.

[221] The operation of the present invention will now be described.

[222] When the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner is not operated, as shown in Fig. 2, the head 20 and the blower 60 are not rotated, and the first, second and third discharge holes 21, 22 and 23 are closed by the first, second and third discharge louvers 24, 25 and 26.

[223] In order to improve the visual effect, the head 20 and the cabinet 10 are preferably disposed in a straight line shape in the up and down directions. For convenience of explanation, as shown in Fig. 2, when the head 20 and the cabinet 10 are disposed in the straight line shape in the up and down directions, a rotation angle of the head 20 is presumed to be 0 .

[224] As discussed later, the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner can be operated in various ways according to selection of operation conditions.

[225] As one example of the operation of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner, as depicted in Fig. 3, when the user inputs a head rotation mode for rotating the head 20 and a first, second and third discharge hole open mode for opening the first, second and third discharge holes 21, 22 and 23 in addition to an operation command for the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner, the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner is operated as follows.

[226] The head rotation unit motors 190 and 192 are driven, the drive gears 201 and 202 are rotated by the rotation driving force of the head rotation unit motors 190 and 192, and the driven gear 204 is orated by the rotation of the drive gears 201 and 202.

[227] When the driven gear 204 is rotated, the head 20 is rotated in the right and left directions monolithically with the driven gear 204.

[228] Here, the head rotation unit motors 190 and 192 can be controlled to continuously rotate the head 20 in only one direction of the right and left directions, or recip- rocatedly rotate the head 20 alternately in the right and left directions. In the case that the head 20 is reciprocatedly rotated in the right and left directions, the reciprocated rotation range of the head 20 can be preset over one or more modes, or selected by the user.

[229] In addition, the first, second and third discharge louver motors 136, 146 and 156 are driven, the first, second and third pinion gears 134, 144 and 154 are rotated by the rotation driving force of the first, second and third discharge louver motors 136, 146 and 156, the first, second and third rack gears 132, 142 and 152 are moved in the up and down directions by the rotation of the first, second and third pinion gears 134, 144 and 154, and the first, second and third discharge louver shafts 24b, 25b and 26b are rotated by the up and down movement of the first, second and third rack gears 132, 142 and 152 to rotate the first, second and third discharge louvers 24, 25 and 26 in the up and down directions. Therefore, the first, second and third discharge holes 21, 22 and 23 are opened.

[230] The first, second and third discharge louver motors 136, 146 and 156 can be controlled to be stopped after the first, second and third discharge holes 21, 22 and 23 are opened. Here, the first, second and third discharge louver motors 136, 146 and 156 can be preset to completely open the first, second and third discharge holes 21, 22 and 23, or controlled according to selection of the user to wholly or partially open the first, second and third discharge holes 21, 22 and 23.

[231] The first, second and third discharge louver motors 136, 146 and 156 can be controlled to reciprocatedly rotate the first, second and third discharge louvers 24, 25 and 26 in the up and down directions.

[232] When the blower motor 62 is driven and the ventilation fan 64 is rotated by the rotation driving force of the blower motor 62, blast force is generated in the direction of the cabinet 10 to the head 20. [233] The outdoor air of the cabinet 10 is sent to the left suction hole 11 and the right suction hole 12 by the blast force of the blower 60. The air sent to the left suction hole 11 and the right suction hole 12 is sucked into the cabinet 10 through the left suction holel 1 and the right suction hole 12, and filtered by the left and right pre-filters 45a and 48a and the high performance left and right filters 45b and 48b.

[234] The air sucked into the cabinet 10 is sent to the heat exchanger 70, and cooled or heated by exchanging heat with the refrigerants in the heat exchanger 70.

[235] The heated or cooled air is mixed in the space between the left heat exchange portion 71 and the right heat exchange portion 72, sent to the upper portion between the left heat exchange portion 71 and the right heat exchange portion 72, and sucked into the orifice 66 of the blower 60.

[236] The air sucked into the orifice 66 is sent to the upper portion of the ventilation fan 64, generating an eddy.

[237] The eddy sent to the upper portion of the ventilation fan 64 is discharged to the upper portion of the orifice 66, sequentially passes through the bracket hole 164 of the head rotation unit bracket 160 and the head hole 101 of the head base panel 110 of the head 20, and is sucked into the head 20.

[238] The air sucked into the head 20 is externally discharged from the head 20 through the first, second and third discharge holes 21, 22 and 23.

[239] Since the first, second and third discharge holes 21, 22 and 23 are all opened and the head 20 is reciprocatedly rotated in the right and left directions, the air streams discharged from the head 20 can be rapidly dispersed in all directions and dynamically circulated.

[240] As illustrated in Figs. 5 to 10, as another example of the operation of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner, when the head 20 is rotated and the first, second and third discharge holes 21, 22 and 23 are partially opened, the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner is operated as follows. For convenience of explanation, it is presumed that the first discharge hole 21 is opened and the second and third discharge holes 22 and 23 are closed.

[241] According to the above operation condition of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner, identically to one example of the operation of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner, the air is sucked into the cabinet 10 by the blast force of the blower 60, cooled or heated by the heat exchanger 70, and sucked into the head 20.

[242] Because the first discharge hole 21 is opened and the second and third discharge holes 22 and 23 are closed, the air sucked into the head 20 is externally discharged from the head 20 merely through the opened first discharge hole 21.

[243] Since the head 20 is reciprocatedly rotated in the right and left directions, the discharged air streams are rapidly dispersed in all directions and dynamically circulated. As the first discharge hole 21 is opened and the second and third discharge holes 22 and 23 are closed, the intensive air streams and the long distance air streams can be discharged through the first discharge hole 21.

[244] Referring to Figs. 5 to 9 and 11, as yet another example of the operation of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner, when the head 20 is not rotated and the first, second and third discharge holes 21, 22 and 23 are all opened, the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner is operated as follows.

[245] According to the above operation condition of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner, identically to one example of the operation of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner, the air is sucked into the cabinet 10 by the blast force of the blower 60, cooled or heated by the heat exchanger 70, and sucked into the head 20.

[246] The air sucked into the head 20 is rapidly dispersed in all directions through the first, second and third discharge holes 21, 22 and 23. As the head 20 is not rotated, more static air streams are discharged to make the indoor environment calm.

[247] As shown in Figs. 5 to 9 and 12, as yet another example of the operation of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner, when the head 20 is not rotated and the first, second and third discharge holes 21, 22 and 23 are partially opened, the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner is operated as follows. For convenience of explanation, it is presumed that the first discharge hole 21 is opened and the second and third discharge holes 22 and 23 are closed.

[248] According to the above operation condition of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner, identically to one example of the operation of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner, the air is sucked into the cabinet 10 by the blast force of the blower 60, cooled or heated by the heat exchanger 70, and sucked into the head 20.

[249] Because the first discharge hole 21 is opened and the head 20 is not rotated, the air sucked into the head 20 is intensively discharged to a specific long distance region through the first discharge hole 21.

[250] Here, the head 20 can be rotated by the rotation driving force of the head rotation unit motors 190 and 192 and stopped, so that the first discharge hole 21 can face the specific region.

[251] As depicted in Figs. 5 to 9, as yet another example of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner, the head 20 can be rotation-controlled according to the sensing results of the infrared sensors 27, 28 and 29. The first, second and third discharge holes 21, 22 and 23 can be wholly or partially opened according to the sensing results of the infrared sensors 27, 28 and 29.

[252] According to the sensing results of the infrared sensors 27, 28 and 29, if temperature distribution of a specific region of the indoor space is relatively high, the first, second and third discharge holes 21, 22 and 23 are partially opened to generate the intensive air streams (for example, the first discharge hole 21), and the head 20 is rotation- controlled so that the opened discharge hole (for example, the first discharge hole 21) can face the specific region showing the relatively high temperature distribution.

[253] As the air streams are intensively discharged to the specific region showing the relatively high temperature distribution, the temperature of the specific region is sharply varied, to rapidly evenly cool or heat the indoor space.

[254] According to the sensing results of the infrared sensors 27, 28 and 29, if temperature distribution of the indoor space is uniform, the first, second and third discharge holes 21, 22 and 23 are all opened to disperse the discharged air streams in all directions, thereby evenly cooling or heating the indoor space. Here, the head 20 can be rotated or rotation-restricted by the head rotation unit 20 .

[255] Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an indoor unit of an air conditioner in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 14 is a disassembly perspective view illustrating major elements of the indoor unit of the air conditioner in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention. The aforementioned members are not explained.

[256] In accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention, a head rotation driving force transfer device 300 includes drive gears 301 and 302 driven by the head rotation unit motors 190 and 192, and a driven gear 304 disposed outside the drive gears 301 and 302, and fixed to the head base panel 100 of the head 20, the drive gears 301 and 302 being inscribed in the driven gear 304.

[257] The drive gears 301 and 302 are disposed inside the driven gear 304 to be inscribed in the driven gear 304.

[258] The driven gear 304 is formed in a ring structure to match with the head hole 101 of the head base panel 100.

[259] Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an indoor unit of an air conditioner in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 16 is a disassembly perspective view illustrating major elements of the indoor unit of the air conditioner in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention. The aforementioned members are not explained.

[260] In accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention, a head rotation unit 400 includes one head motor 410 having a rotation shaft 411 directly connected to the head 20.

[261] The head motor 410 can be disposed inside the cabinet 10, laid over the cabinet 10 and the head 20, or disposed inside the head 20. In this embodiment, it is presumed that the head motor 410 is disposed inside the head 20.

[262] When the head motor 410 is disposed inside the cabinet 10, the up/down direction length of the cabinet 10 can be shortened, or the layout of the blower 60 or the heat exchanger 70 in the cabinet 10 can be improved. [263] When the head motor 410 is disposed inside the head 20, if the rotation shaft 411 is coupled to the head top panel 120 of the head 20, the length of the rotation shaft 411 can be minimized, to stably balance and support the head 20. [264] On the other hand, the head rotation unit 400 further includes a head motor bracket

420 fixed to the cabinet 10, for supporting the head motor 410. [265] The head motor bracket 420 firmly supports the head motor 410. Here, the head motor bracket 420 can be formed in a tripod structure not to interrupt the air flowing from the cabinet 10 to the head 20. [266] That is, the head motor bracket 420 includes a base 422 for supporting the head motor 410, the head motor 410 being fastened to the base 422 by a fastening member such as a screw, and three legs 424, 425 and 426 protruded from the base 422, isolated from each other at intervals of about 120 , and fastened to the cabinet 10 by fastening members such as screws. [267] The head motor bracket 420 is disposed on the top surface of the cabinet 10, so that the head motor 410 can be positioned in the head 20. [268] To hide the head motor 410 and the rotation shaft 411 in the head 20, the head 20 can include a head inner cover 430 for enclosing the head motor 410 and the rotation shaft

411. [269] The head inner cover 430 is vertically protruded from the head top panel 120 of the head 20 to the inside of the head 20, and formed in a ring structure with its upper and lower portions opened. Accordingly, the head motor 410 and the rotation shaft 411 can be inserted into the head inner cover 430. [270] At least one heat radiation hole 431 for radiating heat of the head motor 410 can be formed on the circumference of the head inner cover 430. [271] Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an indoor unit of an air conditioner in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 18 is a disassembly perspective view illustrating major elements of the indoor unit of the air conditioner in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [272] In accordance with the fourth embodiment of the present invention, a head rotation unit 600 includes one head motor 610 having a rotation shaft 611 directly connected to the head 20, the center of the rotation shaft 611 corresponding to the center of the horizontal surface of the head 20 in the up and down directions. [273] The rotation shaft 611 is fixed to the head base panel 100 of the head 20. Here, the head base panel 100 includes a tripod-shaped rotation shaft bracket 620 fixed to the head base panel 100 and coupled to the rotation shaft 611. [274] The head motor 610 is disposed inside the cabinet 10, and supported by a head motor bracket 630 in the cabinet 10. [275] The head motor bracket 630 firmly supports the head motor 610. Here, the head motor bracket 630 is formed in a tripod structure not to interrupt the air flowing from the cabinet 10 to the head 20.

[276] Fig. 20 is a perspective view illustrating an indoor unit of an air conditioner in non- operation in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 21 is a disassembly perspective view illustrating a head, a head rotation unit and a discharge louver in accordance with the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[277] In accordance with the fifth embodiment of the present invention, in the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner, suction holes 11 and 12 for sucking the indoor air are formed on a cabinet 10 forming the lower external appearance, a discharge hole 21 for discharging the air to the indoor space is formed on a head 20 forming the upper external appearance, the head 20 is rotated in the right and left directions by a head rotation unit at the upper portion of the cabinet 10, and a discharge louver 24 for opening and closing the discharge hole 21 and controlling the directions of the air streams discharged through the discharge hole 21 is installed on the discharge hole 21.

[278] The discharge hole 21 is formed on the top surface of the head 20 in the up and down directions, so that the air streams discharged from the discharge hole 21 cannot be supplied directly to life such as a user and a pet.

[279] The discharge hole 21 can be formed in a circular shape, an elliptical shape or a polygonal shape. That is, the discharge hole 21 is not limited in shape. In this embodiment, it is presumed that the discharge hole 21 is formed in a circular shape.

[280] The discharge hole 21 can be provided in a single or multiple number. In this embodiment, it is presumed that one discharge hole 21 is formed.

[281] As the discharge hole 21 is formed on the top surface of the head 20 in the up and down directions, the discharge louver 24 is formed on the discharge hole 21 to be rotated in the up and down directions.

[282] The discharge louver 24 can be provided in a single or multiple number. In this embodiment, it is presumed that three discharge louvers 24 are formed.

[283] The three discharge louvers 24 can be arranged in a row in the up and down directions or the width direction of the discharge hole 21. In this embodiment, it is presumed that the three discharge louvers 24 are arranged in a row in the up and down directions.

[284] In the case that the three discharge louvers 24 are arranged in a row in the up and down directions, at least the topmost discharge louver 24 is identical in shape to the discharge hole 21 to completely cover the discharge hole 21. In this embodiment, it is presumed that the three discharge louvers 24 are all identical in shape to the discharge hole 21.

[285] A head hole 101 for making the head 20 communicate with the cabinet 10 is formed on a head base panel 100, so that the air in the cabinet 10 can be sent to the head 20. The head hole 101 can be formed at the center portion of the head base panel 100, so that the air in the cabinet 10 can be smoothly sent into the head 20.

[286] A head main frame 110 includes first to fourth side panels 111 to 114 forming the four surfaces of the head main frame 110.

[287] The first to fourth side panels 111 to 114 can be molded as a single body, or individually molded and assembled. In addition, the first to fourth side panels 111 to 114 can be molded as two or three parts and assembled.

[288] A head top panel 120 is almost identical in size to the horizontal surface of the head main frame 110, for sealing up the opened top surface of the head main frame 110.

[289] The circular discharge hole 21 is formed at the center portion of the head top panel 120.

[290] To create the optimum visual external image, the head top panel 120 is inserted into the head main frame 110, downwardly isolated from the top end of the head main frame 110 with a predetermined gap, and hidden by the head main frame 110.

[291] Each of the discharge louvers 24 installed in the head 20 includes a discharge louver blade 24a rotatably disposed on the discharge hole 21, and a discharge louver shaft 24b fixed to the discharge louver blade 24a and rotatably inserted into the head main frame 110.

[292] Fig. 22 is a perspective view illustrating an indoor unit of an air conditioner in non- operation in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[293] In accordance with the sixth embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of discharge louvers 24 are arranged at regular intervals in the width direction of a discharge hole 21.

[294] The plurality of discharge louvers 24 are formed in shapes of dividing the discharge hole 21 in their isolation directions. Therefore, when the discharge hole 21 is closed, it can be completely covered by the plurality of discharge louvers 24.

[295] Fig. 23 is a perspective view illustrating an indoor unit of an air conditioner in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 24 is a cross- sectional view taken along line A-A of Fig. 23, and Fig. 25 is a disassembly perspective view illustrating a head, a discharge louver unit and a head rotation unit in accordance with the seventh embodiment of the present invention. The aforementioned members are not explained.

[296] In accordance with the seventh embodiment of the present invention, in the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner, suction holes 11 and 12 for sucking the indoor air are formed on a cabinet 10 forming the lower external appearance, a discharge hole 21 for discharging the air to the indoor space is formed at one side of a head 20 forming the upper external appearance, the head 20 is rotated in the right and left directions by a head rotation unit at the upper portion of the cabinet 10, and a discharge louver unit for controlling the directions of the discharged air streams is disposed in the head 20.

[297] That is, the cabinet 10 includes a base 30 forming the bottom surface of the cabinet 10, a main frame 40 being disposed at the upper portion of the base 30, and having its top surface opened to communicate with the head 20 and its front and bottom surfaces opened, a front panel 50 formed on the opened front surface of the main frame 40, for opening and closing the opened front surface of the main frame 40, and a top cover 52 disposed on the opened top surface of the main frame 40.

[298] The top cover 52 includes a top cover hole 52a for air flow, so that the cabinet 10 and the head 20 can communicate with each other.

[299] To emphasize the visual effect, a color or material of the top cover 52 can be different from that of the main frame 40 or the front panel 50.

[300] To improve the visual effect, the top cover 52 can be formed smaller than the horizontal surface of the combination of the main frame 40 and the front panel 50.

[301] The head 20 can be formed in a circular or polygonal structure. In this embodiment, it is presumed that the head 20 is formed in the circular structure.

[302] The head 20 includes a head base panel 100 disposed at the upper portion of the cabinet 10, a head main frame 110 being disposed at the upper portion of the head base panel 100, and having its top and bottom surfaces opened, and a head top panel 120 for covering the opened top surface of the head main frame 110.

[303] The head base panel 100 is formed in a circular shape smaller than the top cover 52 of the cabinet 10.

[304] A head hole 101 for making the head 20 communicate with the cabinet 10 is formed on the head base panel 100, so that the air in the cabinet 10 can be sent to the head 20. The head hole 101 can be formed at the center portion of the head base panel 100, so that the air in the cabinet 10 can be smoothly sent into the head 20.

[305] A mesh-shaped discharge grill 22 is formed on the discharge hole 21, for protecting the inner structure of the head 20 and preventing an accident by the discharge hole 21.

[306] The head top panel 120 is almost identical in shape to the top surface of the head main frame 110, for sealing up the opened top surface of the head main frame 110.

[307] The discharge louver unit includes a plurality of discharge louvers 24 arranged in the head 20 in the up and down directions, and rotated in the up and down directions, a discharge louver support shaft 126 for rotatably supporting the plurality of discharge louvers 24 in the up and down directions, and a discharge louver driving unit 130 for applying operation force for rotating the discharge louvers 24 in the up and down directions.

[308] Each of the discharge louvers 24 includes a discharge louver blade 24a disposed in the head 20 to be rotated in the up and down directions, and a discharge louver hinge shaft 24b fixed to the discharge louver blade 24a and rotatably inserted into the discharge louver support shaft 126.

[309] The discharge louver support shaft 126 can be fixedly supported by a discharge louver support shaft bracket 128 fixed to the cabinet 10 or a head rotation unit 400 discussed later.

[310] The discharge louver support shaft bracket 128 includes a discharge louver support shaft bracket center portion (not shown) fixed to the cabinet 10 and coupled to the discharge louver support shaft 126, for sending the air in the cabinet 10 to the head 20, and a discharge louver support shaft bracket connection portion 128b protruded from the discharge louver support shaft bracket center portion, and fastened to the cabinet 10 by a fastening member such as a screw.

[311] Preferably, at least two discharge louver support shaft bracket connection portions

128b are arranged in the circumferential direction of the discharge louver support shaft bracket center portion in order to firmly support the discharge louver support shaft 126.

[312] The discharge louver driving unit 130 can be fixed to the head 20, but can also be fixed to the discharge louver support shaft bracket 128.

[313] The head rotation unit 400 includes one head motor 410 having a rotation shaft 411 directly connected to the head 20, the center of the rotation shaft 411 corresponding to the center of the horizontal surface of the head 20 in the up and down directions.

[314] The rotation shaft 411 can be fixed to the head top panel 120 of the head 20. Here, a rotation shaft boss 121 coupled to the rotation shaft 411 is formed on the head top panel 120.

[315] The head motor 410 is disposed in the cabinet 10 and supported by a head motor bracket 420 in the cabinet 10.

[316] The head motor bracket 420 firmly supports the head motor 410. Here, the head motor bracket 420 can be formed in a tripod structure not to interrupt the air flowing from the cabinet 10 to the head 20.

[317] That is, the head motor bracket 420 includes a base 422 for supporting the head motor 410, the head motor 410 being fastened to the base 422 by a fastening member such as a screw, and three legs 424, 425 and 426 protruded from the base 422, isolated from each other at intervals of about 120 , and fastened to the cabinet 10 by fastening members such as screws.

[318] Fig. 26 is a perspective view illustrating an indoor unit of an air conditioner in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 27 is a disassembly perspective view illustrating the indoor unit of the air conditioner in accordance with the eighth embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 28 is a cross- sectional view taken along line C-C of Fig. 26, and Fig. 29 is a disassembly perspective view illustrating a discharger and a discharger rotation unit of Fig. 27. The aforementioned members are not explained.

[319] In accordance with the eighth embodiment of the present invention, in the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner, a cabinet 10 is extended in the up and down directions and formed in a circular or polygonal structure. In this embodiment, it is presumed that the cabinet 10 is formed in an octagonal structure.

[320] Suction holes 11 and 12 for sucking the indoor air are formed at one side of the cabinet 10, and discharge holes 13, 14 and 15 for discharging the air to the indoor space are formed at the other side thereof.

[321] When the directions of the discharged air streams are various, the air can be rapidly evenly conditioned in the indoor space. To generate the optimum discharged air streams, the plurality of discharge holes 13, 14 and 15 are preferably isolated from each other on the same horizontal surface along the peripheral direction of the cabinet 10.

[322] In this embodiment, it is presumed that the three discharge holes 13, 14 and 15 are formed. For convenience of explanation, the discharge hole 13 formed on the front surface of the cabinet 10 is referred to as a front discharge hole 13, the discharge hole 14 formed at the left side of the cabinet 10 is referred to as a left discharge hole 14, and the discharge hole 15 formed at the right side of the cabinet 10 is referred to as a right discharge hole 15.

[323] To generate the optimum discharged air streams, auxiliary discharge holes 16 are disposed between the plurality of discharge holes 13, 14 and 15 along the peripheral direction of the cabinet 10, for discharging the air to the indoor space.

[324] Since resistance of the discharged air streams increases on the inner walls of the cabinet 10, the auxiliary discharge holes 16 are preferably disposed between the front discharge hole 13 and the left discharge hole 14 and between the front discharge hole 13 and the right discharge hole 15, respectively. For convenience of explanation, the auxiliary discharge hole 16 disposed between the front discharge hole 13 and the left discharge hole 14 is referred to as a left auxiliary discharge hole 16, and the auxiliary discharge hole 16 disposed between the front discharge hole 13 and the right discharge hole 15 is referred to as a right auxiliary discharge hole (not shown).

[325] The cabinet 10 can be divided into the lower portion with the left suction hole 11 and the right suction hole 12, and the upper portion with the front discharge hole 13, the left discharge hole 14 and the right discharge hole 15. In addition, the cabinet 10 can be formed in a monolithic structure. In this embodiment, it is presumed that the cabinet 10 has the monolithic structure.

[326] The monolithic cabinet 10 includes a base 30 forming the bottom surface of the cabinet 10, a main frame 40 disposed at the upper portion of the base 30, for forming the seven peripheral surfaces of the cabinet 10 except the front surface, a front panel 50 formed at the front portion of the main frame 40, and a top cover 20a disposed at the upper portion of the main frame 40, for forming the top surface of the cabinet 10. [327] The main frame 40 includes a left panel 41 disposed at the left upper portion of the base 30, a right panel 42 disposed at the right upper portion of the base 30, and a rear panel 43 disposed at the rear upper portion of the base 30. [328] The left suction hole 11 is formed at the lower portion of the left panel 41 in the right and left directions, and the left discharge hole 14 is formed at the upper portion thereof in the right and left directions.

[329] The right panel 42 is symmetrical to the left panel 41. [330] The right suction hole 12 is formed at the lower portion of the right panel 42 in the right and left directions, and the right discharge hole 15 is formed at the upper portion thereof in the right and left directions. [331] A tube cover 43b with a tube through hole 43a through which a drain hose 38 and a refrigerant tube of a heat exchanger 70 pass is mounted on one side of the rear panel

43. A tube cover mounting portion 43c on which the tube cover 43b is mounted is formed at the lower portion of the rear panel 43. [332] A hooked hole (not shown) into which a hook protruded from the left panel 41 is inserted, and a hooked hole (not shown) into which a hook protruded from the right panel 42 is inserted are formed on the rear panel 43, respectively. [333] The front discharge hole 13 is formed at the upper portion of the front panel 50 in the front and rear directions. The front discharge hole 13 is disposed at the center portion of the front panel 50 in the right and left directions. [334] The left auxiliary discharge hole 16 and the right auxiliary discharge hole (not shown) are formed at the left and right sides of the front discharge hole 13 of the front panel 50 in the front and rear directions, respectively. [335] A left auxiliary discharge hole vane 18 for opening and closing the left auxiliary discharge hole 16 is disposed on the left auxiliary discharge hole 16. The left auxiliary discharge hole vane 18 is hinge-coupled and rotated on the left auxiliary discharge hole

16 in the right and left directions, for opening and closing the left auxiliary discharge hole 16. [336] A right auxiliary discharge hole vane 19 for opening and closing the right auxiliary discharge hole (not shown) is disposed on the right auxiliary discharge hole (not shown). The right auxiliary discharge hole vane 19 is hinge-coupled and rotated on the right auxiliary discharge hole (not shown) in the right and left directions, for opening and closing the right auxiliary discharge hole (not shown). [337] A front panel hole 50a for simplifying an inner component service of the cabinet 10 is formed on the front panel 50. A front door 52 is disposed on the front panel hole

50a, for opening and closing the front panel hole 50a. [338] The top cover 20a is disposed at the upper portion of the main frame 40 and fastened to the main frame 40 by fastening members such as screws. [339] To improve the style of the cabinet 10, a decoration ring 59 can be further inserted onto the cabinet 10. [340] A color or material of the decoration ring 59 can be different from that of the cabinet

10. [341] A discharger 500 for discharging the air from the cabinet 10 through some of the front discharge hole 13, the left discharge hole 14 and the right discharge hole 15 is disposed in the cabinet 10 to be rotated in the right and left directions. [342] The discharger 500 can be formed in a circular or polygonal structure. In this embodiment, it is presumed that the discharger 500 has the circular structure. [343] Preferably, the discharger 500 is disposed at the upper portion of the cabinet 10, so that the air can be directly discharged from the discharger 500 to some of the front discharge hole 13, the left discharge hole 14 and the right discharge hole 15. [344] The discharger 500 includes a circular discharger base panel 100 forming the bottom surface of the discharger 500, a ring-shaped discharger main frame 504 disposed at the upper portion of the discharger base panel 100, and a circular discharger top panel 506 disposed at the upper portion of the discharger main frame 504, for forming the top surface of the discharger 500. [345] A discharger suction hole 101 for sucking the air from the cabinet 10 is formed on the discharger base panel 100. The discharger suction hole 101 can be formed at the center portion of the discharger base panel 100, so that the air in the cabinet 10 can be smoothly sent into the discharger 500. [346] A discharger discharge hole 503 is formed at one side of the discharger main frame

504 to face some of the front discharge hole 13, the left discharge hole 14 and the right discharge hole 15, for discharging the air to some of the front discharge hole 13, the left discharge hole 14 and the right discharge hole 15. [347] One discharger discharge hole 503 is formed to concentrate the discharged air streams. Preferably, the discharger discharge hole 503 is almost identical in size to any one of the front discharge hole 13, the left discharge hole 14 and the right discharge hole 15. [348] A discharger discharge louver 24 for opening and closing the discharger discharge hole 503 and controlling the directions of the discharged air streams is formed on the discharger discharge hole 503. [349] The discharger discharge louver 24 includes a discharger discharge hole louver blade

24a rotatably disposed on the discharger discharge hole 503, and a discharger discharge hole louver shaft 24b fixed to the discharger discharge hole louver blade 24a, and rotatably inserted into the discharger main frame 504. [350] Fig. 30 is a perspective view illustrating one example of the operation of the indoor unit of the air conditioner in a discharger rotation mode in accordance with the eighth embodiment of the present invention. Here, the discharger 500 is rotated, and the discharger discharge louver 24 is moved in the up and down directions. The aforementioned members are not explained.

[351] The air sucked into the discharger 500 is externally discharged from the cabinet 10 by sequentially passing through the discharger discharge hole 503 and the discharge hole facing the discharger discharge hole 503 among the front discharge hole 13, the left discharge hole 14 and the right discharge hole 15.

[352] As the discharger 500 is reciprocatedly rotated in the right and left directions, the air streams discharged from the cabinet 10 can be rapidly dispersed in every direction and dynamically circulated.

[353] Since the air streams are discharged from the cabinet 10 through some of the front discharge hole 13, the left discharge hole 14 and the right discharge hole 15, the air streams can be intensively discharged to a specific long distance region.

[354] Fig. 31 is a perspective view illustrating another example of the operation of the indoor unit of the air conditioner in the discharger rotation mode in accordance with the eighth embodiment of the present invention. Here, the discharger 500 is rotated, and the left auxiliary discharge hole 16 and the right auxiliary discharge hole 17 are opened. The aforementioned members are not explained.

[355] The air sucked into the discharger 500 is externally discharged from the cabinet 10 through some of the front discharge hole 13, the left discharge hole 14, the right discharge hole 15, the left auxiliary discharge hole 16 and the right auxiliary discharge hole 17.

[356] As the directions of the air streams discharged from the cabinet 10 are various, the discharged air streams can be rapidly dispersed in every direction.

[357] Fig. 32 is a perspective view illustrating one example of the operation of the indoor unit of the air conditioner in a discharger rotation stop mode in accordance with the eighth embodiment of the present invention. The air sucked into the discharger 500 is externally discharged through the discharge hole facing the discharger discharge hole 503 among the front discharge hole 13, the left discharge hole 14, the right discharge hole 15, the left auxiliary discharge hole 16 and the right auxiliary discharge hole 17. The aforementioned members are not explained.

[358] As the discharger 500 is not rotated, more static air streams are discharged to make the indoor environment calm.

[359] Moreover, the air streams can be intensively discharged to a specific long distance region.

[360] Fig. 33 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an indoor unit of an air conditioner in accordance with a ninth embodiment of the present invention. A rotation shaft 411 is connected directly to a discharger top panel 506 of a discharger rotation unit 500. The aforementioned members are not explained.

[361] Fig. 34 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an indoor unit of an air conditioner in accordance with a tenth embodiment of the present invention. A rotation shaft 611 is connected directly to a rotation shaft bracket 620 of a discharger rotation unit 500. The aforementioned members are not explained.

[362] Fig. 35 is a disassembly perspective view illustrating major elements of an indoor unit of an air conditioner in accordance with an eleventh embodiment of the present invention. The aforementioned members are not explained.

[363] In accordance with the eleventh embodiment of the present invention, discharge louvers 800, 820 and 840 are formed on a front discharge hole 13, a left discharge hole 14 and a right discharge hole 15, respectively. This configuration efficiently controls the directions of the air streams discharged through the discharge holes 13, 14 and 15.

[364] Fig. 36 is a graph showing various examples by one rotation angle and rotation period of the discharge hole. When the air conditioner is disposed at one edge of the indoor space I as shown in Fig. 1 and the discharge hole is reciprocatedly rotated within the rotation angle of 90 for cooling, the indoor temperature T by the operation time S is shown. Fig. 37 is a graph showing the indoor temperature by one rotation angle of the discharge hole, and Fig. 38 is a graph showing the indoor temperature by the rotation period of the discharge hole.

[365] Referring to Figs. 36 to 38, when one rotation angle of the discharge hole ranges from 5 to 55 , the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner can rapidly evenly cool the indoor space I. Especially, when one rotation angle of the discharge hole ranges from 15 to 25 , the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner can more rapidly evenly cool the indoor space I with the optimum cooling performance. The cooling and heating performance is dependent upon how rapidly and evenly the conditioned air is dispersed to the indoor space I. As shown in the experiment results of Figs. 36 to 38, the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner can rapidly evenly heat the indoor space I with the optimum heating performance.

[366] Still referring to Figs. 36 to 38, when the rotation period of the discharge hole ranges from 5 to 70 seconds, the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner can rapidly evenly cool or heat the indoor space I. Especially, when the rotation period of the discharge hole ranges from 9 to 20 seconds, the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner can more rapidly evenly cool or heat the indoor space I with the optimum cooling or heating performance.

[367] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, it is understood that the present invention should not be limited to these preferred em- bodiments but various changes and modifications can be made by one skilled in the art within the spirit and scope of the present invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

[1] An air conditioner, comprising: a suction hole; a blower positioned to suck the air through the suction hole; a heat exchanger positioned to exchange heat with the air sucked by the blower; a passage extended to transfer the air from the suction hole to the blower and the heat exchanger, one end of the passage being opened; and at least one discharge hole positioned with a gap from the opened end, for discharging the air heat-exchanged in the heat exchanger, the at least one discharge hole being rotatable relatively to the opened end.

[2] The air conditioner of claim 1, comprising: a head with the at least one discharge hole; and a rotation shaft connected to the head, for rotating the head.

[3] The air conditioner of claim 1, comprising a louver blade positioned between the opened end and the at least one discharge hole, rotated relatively to at least one of the opened end and the at least one discharge hole, and moved to change the direction of the air discharged through the at least one discharge hole.

[4] The air conditioner of claim 1, comprising a head with a top surface, the at least one discharge hole being formed on the top surface.

[5] The air conditioner of claim 1, comprising a head with the at least one discharge hole, in which a guide formed, the guide changing the direction of the air discharged from the opened end.

[6] The air conditioner of claim 1, comprising: a plurality of discharge holes arranged along the relative rotation direction to the opened end; and a discharger having the opened end and being positioned with regard to the plurality of discharge holes to discharge the heat-exchanged air through the plurality of discharge holes.

[7] The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein the relative rotation angle of the at least one discharge hole to the opened end ranges from 5 to 55 .

[8] The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein the relative rotation period of the at least one discharge hole to the opened end ranges from 5 to 70 seconds.

[9] The air conditioner of claim 1, comprising a motor positioned between the at least one discharge hole and the blower, for driving relative motion between the at least one discharge hole and the opened end.

[ 10] The air conditioner of claim 1 , comprising : a cabinet in which the opened end is positioned and the suction hole, the blower and the heat exchanger are provided; a head with the at least one discharge hole; and a guide positioned at the opened end, for guiding the heat-exchanged air to the head.

[11] The air conditioner of claim 1, comprising: a head with a plurality of discharge holes positioned at intervals in the relative rotation direction to the opened end; and discharge louvers for opening and closing the plurality of discharge holes, respectively.

[12] The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein the suction hole, the heat exchanger and the blower are positioned on the passage in order, the heat exchanger is inclined toward the suction hole, and the passage formed at the side of the blower is limited by an orifice extended toward the heat exchanger and the opened end.

[13] The air conditioner of claim 1, comprising a head with a plurality of discharge holes, the outer surface of the head having a plurality of surfaces, the plurality of discharge holes being formed at least two surfaces thereof and each of discharge holes foremd thereat being located at a region which includes the center of the associated surface.

[14] The air conditioner of claim 1, comprising: a head with the at least one discharge hole; a louver blade positioned at the at least one discharge hole, for controlling the direction of the discharged air; and a motor positioned at the head, for driving the louver blade.

[15] The air conditioner of claim 1, comprising a cabinet in which the suction hole, the blower and the heat exchanger are provided, the cabinet comprising a front inner panel with a service hole for opening the passage.

[ 16] The air conditioner of claim 1 , comprising : a head with at least two discharge holes, the outer surface of the head having at least two surfaces and an edge formed by the at least two surfaces; a cabinet in which the suction hole, the blower and the heat exchanger are provided; and a display provided at a position of the cabinet corresponding to the edge formed by the at least two surfaces.

[17] The air conditioner of claim 11, comprising motors for independently controlling opening and closing of the discharge louvers, respectively.

[18] The air conditioner of claim 2, wherein the rotation shaft is connected to the top surface of the head.

[19] The air conditioner of claim 2, wherein the rotation shaft is connected to the bottom surface of the head.

[20] The air conditioner of claim 3, wherein the louver blade is positioned at the at least one discharge hole.

[21] The air conditioner of claim 20, comprising a louver driving unit including a plurality of louver blades positioned at the at least one discharge hole, a motor for driving the motion of the plurality of louver blades, and a pinion gear and a rack gear for converting driving of the motor into the motion of the plurality of louver blades.

[22] The air conditioner of claim 20, comprising: a head with the at least one discharge hole; and an additional louver blade positioned in the head, for cooperating with the louver blade.

[23] The air conditioner of claim 22, wherein the at least one discharge hole is formed on the top surface of the head.

[24] The air conditioner of claim 3, comprising a head with the at least one discharge hole, in which the louver blade is positioned.

[25] The air conditioner of claim 3, wherein the louver blade is positioned at the opened end.

[26] The air conditioner of claim 25, comprising an additional louver blade positioned at the at least one discharge hole.

[27] The air conditioner of claim 4, wherein the opening direction of the opened end is identical to the discharge direction of the at least one discharge hole.

[28] The air conditioner of claim 4, comprising a plurality of louver blades positioned at the at least one discharge hole, the plurality of louver blades comprising a louver blade positioned inside the head.

[29] The air conditioner of claim 28, wherein the at least one discharge hole is rotated in the right and left directions, and the plurality of louver blades are moved in the up and down directions.

[30] The air conditioner of claim 4, comprising a plurality of louver blades positioend on the at least one discharge hole, for blocking at least one discharge hole.

[31] The air conditioner of claim 5, wherein the guide comprises a louver blade.

[32] The air conditioner of claim 5, comprising a rotation shaft for rotating the head.

[33] The air conditioner of claim 32, wherein the guide is coupled to the rotation shaft.

[34] The air conditioner of claim 31 , comprising: a discharge louver support shaft to which the louver blade is coupled; and a discharge louver support shaft bracket for fixing the discharge louver support shaft.

[35] The air conditioner of claim 34, comprising a cabinet in which the suction hole, the heat exchanger and the blower are positioned, the discharge louver support shaft bracket being fixed to the cabinet.

[36] The air conditioner of claim 34, comprising a discharge louver driving unit coupled to the discharge louver support shaft bracket, for driving the louver blade.

[37] The air conditioner of claim 5, wherein a discharge grill is provided at the at least one discharge hole.

[38] The air conditioner of claim 6, comprising a louver blade positioned at the opened end.

[39] The air conditioner of claim 6, comprising at least one auxiliary discharge hole positioned between the plurallity of discharge holes.

[40] The air conditioner of claim 39, comprising at least one vane for opening and closing the at least one auxiliary discharge hole.

[41] The air conditioner of claim 6, comprising a rotation shaft connected to the top surface of the discharger, for rotating the discharger.

[42] The air conditioner of claim 6, comprising a rotation shaft connected to the bottom surface of the discharger, for rotating the discharger.

[43] The air conditioner of claim 6, comprising a cabinet in which the suction hole, the heat exchanger and the blower are positioned, the plurality of discharge holes being formed at the cabinet.

[44] The air conditioner of claim 6, comprising at least one louver blade positioned at one or more of the plurality of discharge holes.

[45] The air conditioner of claim 7, wherein the relative rotation angle of the at least one discharge hole to the opened end ranges from 15 to 25 .

[46] The air conditioner of claim 45, wherein the relative rotation period of the at least one discharge hole to the opened end ranges from 9 to 20 seconds.

[47] The air conditioner of claim 8, wherein the relative rotation period of the at least one discharge hole to the opened end ranges from 9 to 20 seconds.

[48] The air conditioner of claim 9, comprising: a drive gear connected to the motor; a driven gear connected to the drive gear; and a head being connected to the driven gear, and having at least one discharge hole.

[49] The air conditioner of claim 9, comprising: a drive gear connected to the motor; a head with at least one discharge hole; and a driven gear connected to the drive gear, and formed at the bottom surface of the head.

[50] The air conditioner of claim 9, comprising: a cabinet in which the suction hole, the blower and the heat exchanger are positioned; a head with the at least one discharge hole, the head being rotated with regard to the opened end; and a head guide rib positioned at the upper portion of the cabinet, for guiding the rotation of the head.

[51] The air conditioner of claim 50, wherein the motor is positioned in the head guide rib.

[52] The air conditioner of claim 51 , comprising a guide positioned inside the motor, for guiding the heat-exchanged air to the head.

[53] The air conditioner of claim 9, comprising a head with the at least one discharge hole, the motor being positioned at the head.

[54] The air conditioner of claim 9, comprising: a head with the at least one discharge hole; a rotation shaft for connecting the motor to the head; and a head inner cover for enclosing at least the rotation shaft.

[55] The air conditioner of claim 9, wherein the motor is positioned between the at least one discharge hole and the blower to contact the heat-exchanged air passing through the passage.

[56] The air conditioner of claim 9, comprising: a head with the at least one discharge hole; a rotation shaft for connecting the motor to the head; and a plurality of louver blades positioned along the rotation shaft.

[57] The air conditioner of claim 9, comprising: a discharger being rotatably positioned with regard to the at least one discharge hole, and having the opened end; and a rotation shaft coupled to the bottom surface of the discharger, for connecting the motor to the discharger.

[58] The air conditioner of claim 9, comprising: a discharger being rotatably positioned with regard to the at least one discharge hole, and having the opened end; and a rotation shaft coupled to the top surface of the discharger, for connecting the motor to the discharger.

[59] The air conditioner of claim 9, wherein the motor is supported by a leg.

[60] The air conditioner of claim 10, wherein the guide is positioned at the opened end.